Thank you for posting this. I've ben doing some research on martial arts recently and have become quite interested. I think I will really persue this now. It seems that Aikido is the best choice for me so far. Just letting you know that you helped a total martial arts newbie out! Thanks again.-Ryan

Quote:Martial arts are inherently linked to fighting, however, most martial artists I have met will avoid fighting unless it cannot be avoided. The same cannot be said for many untrained people who feel the need to "prove themselves" and do not have the self confidence which martial arts can give to someone. Martial arts use simple principles of physics and anatomy to improve our ability to fight, restrain people and defend ourselves. These are not the only benefits to be gained from martial arts training, others include:- Fitness and agility- Self confidence/respect- Self control- Better awareness of our surroundings- Being part of a friendly community- And many more

Let me say what everyone will tell you about choosing a martial art. No matter what you want to train for, there is no such thing as a "best" martial art. They are all different and good at what they train in.

The best way to choose a school is to go there and ask about free introductory lessons, most schools will give you one or two lessons free to see whether you like the art. Ask the instructor as many questions as you can about the art to clear up any mystery or apprehension you have about the art.

Don't go to classes where abusive, restrictive or narrowminded behaviour occurs. Ask around for opinions of martial artists you know or at martial arts stores in the area. If you can't do that, ask on the forum, if you explain yourself you will get a friendly and helpful answer. Many schools are difficult to find and do not advertise much. Often such schools train in community centres or even in universities, if you look carefully you will find them in the darnedest places.

A word of warning, there are plenty of scams out there. If the instructor makes outrageous claims or if there is too much money spent on advertising, be wary. If the fees are outrageous or the school is understaffed (too many students for the teachers to handle) or it has very restrictive binding contracts, it may be a McDojo, and one to avoid. Ask around and research about the average price of martial arts training in your area to judge whether you are comfortable with a certain school's fees. Make sure to ask about additional costs, such as grading and uniform/equipment prices.

There are also a number of martial arts cults which can be avoided by asking the instructor plenty of questions and reading up on them. If you have any worries about a school, ask on the forum, many people here are qualified to advise you.

However, knowledge is power and you can weed out these types of schools with a little research.

Most of the time you will not have to prepare to begin a martial art, you will be taught from scratch in most schools you go to. Being fit does help though, as does doing your own research into the background behind martial arts.

You do not necessarily have to fight to train in martial arts. In fact, if you don't want to in many countries it's your legal right to never have contact during training. Some people decide they want to go into full contact training and that's fine too. You should note that if you go into a grappling art, you will have to be put in close contact with a training partner and learn how to fall on the ground safely (which can be a little painful at first). In my opinion however, the benefits of being able to fall safely outweight the minor costs.

If you are seeking martial arts for self defense, search for a school which deals with it specifically. Usually these train in scenario work and teach issues other than just fighting, such as how to avoid danger and how to escape it. Similarly, if you want to train for sport or competition, find a school which trains for that. You will be more satisfied if you do find an appropriate school.

The most important thing is to find an art and a school which suits you.

Well written, but it is sad that many beginners are lured by hype, fad, and the desire to fight.

After 40 years+ as a martial artist, I still feel that I am a beginner is some ways

Hey dude your post was most informative. My whole life i have been fascinated with martial arts since i was a little boy watching Bruce lee with my father, i took a class on kung fu movies in college, and watch them frequently with my friends. In the past i have studied tae kwan do and ju jisu for a few months or so.

Me and my friends are going to study a few types with a friend who has 3rd degree belts in a some of the styles. We are all very excited. We wish to one day master Hung gar i believe it is called and pretty much expand our knowledge as much as we can.

I was wondering of any at home training i can do to help better my body and mind for the learning of the arts?

Besides things mentioned specifically by your instructor you could also do wieght training and cardio work. Browse through the strengthening forum and go to a gym to learn more. Probably any exercise (riding a bike, running, bodywieght, stretching etc.) would help.

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Stand for something or you'll fall for anything.